Tried & tested: what's it really like on a Fred Olsen cruise?

Robin McKelvie

Robin McKelvie

As a travel writer who has spent nearly three decades cruising the world's oceans, it takes something special for a cruise line to stand out from the pack. Fred Olsen Cruise Lines manages that in spades.

The fleet’s flagship, Bolette
The fleet’s flagship, Bolette - photo courtesy of Fred Olsen

Whether it's eking out to distant Baltic ports, seeking winter sun in the Canaries, or sailing closer to home to Scotland's Northern Isles, every day with Fred Olsen* is an unmitigated joy.

Take a seat by the ship pool with your favourite cool tipple as I share just why Fred Olsen is so special and what it is like to sail with this renowned Norwegian cruise line.

Book your cruise: see the complete collection of offers on itineraries* to book your Fred Olsen for less, including sale prices, early bird rates and more.

Ships for people who don't like cruises

Some people who have never experienced the joy of cruising insist that they 'don't like cruise ships'. Digging deeper, what they mean is that they don't fancy the massive floating cities that dwarf wee island ports in the Caribbean.

Well, the good news is that Fred Olsen is not like that. Its trio of 'beautiful Bs' are much smaller. Borealis* and Bolette* only allow a relatively bijou 1,338 passengers aboard, while the Balmoral* sails with a maximum of 1,250 guests.

The ships* don't look like top-heavy stacked up hotels either; more graceful dames that echo the movies and the golden era of proper ocean cruise liners.

Fred Olsen is great value

You can spend an arm and a leg on a cruise. While I'm not denying the appeal of having a Michelin-trained chef aboard, alongside a big brand-name spa, I'd actually rather have a ship with more character that is small enough to feel more intimate and can access the smaller ports that the big guys no longer can.

Choose the drinks package to suit your budget
Choose the drinks package to suit your budget - photo courtesy of Fred Olsen

I've never heard any passengers griping about cost. Indeed, passengers often talk up the great value. I like that the drinks packages* are straightforward too, and that there are no sneaky hidden charges that sometimes crop up with some cruise lines.

Even better, from January 2026, selected wines by the glass and draught soft drinks will be included with lunch and dinner. Gratuities are also included, taking away a layer of expense and hassle. You also don't need to worry about currency conversions if you're British, as they use Sterling onboard.

Easy-going entertainment

If you are after banging nightclubs and glitzy casinos, you've come to the wrong place. If you prefer relaxed shows, educational enrichment programmes that shed light on the destinations en route and relaxing with a good book, you're in the right place.

Saying that, being onboard 'Fred Dot' (as it's often known by its main returning guests) is in no way dull, with evening entertainment such as cabaret shows, live music and dancing.

I've made some lovely new friends on Fred Olsen cruises and had quite a party on that dancefloor without it disturbing other guests or taking over the ship. There is a spa too, with excellent health and beauty treatments, plus a wee gym.

Drinking & dining

I really like the food on a Fred Olsen cruise. Expect delicious dining for all tastes throughout your full-board dining* every day of your cruise. We're talking casual breakfasts and self-serve dining (for lunch and dinner if you like) and decadent five-course à la carte dinners. Then there are the legendary afternoon teas stuffed with lovely sandwiches and cakes.

Don’t miss the legendary afternoon tea
Don’t miss the legendary afternoon tea - photo courtesy of Fred Olsen

And yes, there are late-night snacks to munch on too. You can treat yourself to speciality dining for just £20 (£15 if you book ahead of your cruise). For example, Colours & Tastes entices with Asian Fusion cuisine, exploring the cuisines of China, Japan, the Philippines and Thailand. Think spicy seafood, satisfying bao buns and boat-fresh sushi.

Again, from January 2026, the menu will rotate around a Gourmet Grill and Traditional Italian themes to create even more variety. New for 2026, too, is a 'Chef's Table' foodie experience with superb cuisine and matching wines.

What is a day at sea actually like?

Spending the day on a Fred Olsen ship is such fun that I actually look forward to sea days. I start the day with a walk on deck; some ships these days are cutting out walking space, but it's still there with Fred Olsen.

Then I have a lazy breakfast, on deck if the weather allows. If I'm not taking an excursion, it's a book by the pool. Lunch is casual, again outside, and I'll follow that with one of the enrichment talks to learn more about an upcoming destination.

Get stuck into an enrichment talk at sea
Get stuck into an enrichment talk at sea - photo courtesy of Fred Olsen

After a swim (or a bubble in one of the outdoor hot tubs), it's time for a sundowner. I might sneak in a cheeky aperitif before the decadent five-course dinner.

That is followed by catching up with newfound friends and a nightcap with them, unless I'm on an early excursion the next day or just fancy being cosied up in bed early. On a Fred Olsen cruise, the choice is gloriously yours.

Can you book an adult-only cruise?

You couldn't, but that's all changing in January 2026, when Borealis will become an adults-only vessel. There is increasing demand across the industry for adults-only spaces, and Fred Olsen is committing to this with a whole dedicated adults-only ship, rather than just making a token gesture of running the odd adults-only cruise.

I've got two daughters and love cruising with them, but can see the serene appeal of adults-only cruising*, and indeed I've really enjoyed all the ones I've been on. Another new welcome development from Fred Olsen.

Interesting excursions

The quality of the excursions can really make or break a cruise. I've been on far too many crammed buses being shepherded around unwanted souvenir shops, so I know this. Fred Olsen doesn't do that. Instead, it puts real effort into creating a range of excursions.

Embark on excursions to well-known landmarks
Embark on excursions to well-known landmarks - photo courtesy of Fred Olsen

I've been on cultural deep dives in Estonia, a spine-tingling WWII experience in Orkney and a delicious foodie extravaganza in Galicia with Fred Olsen. If you want to be more independent and arrange your own adventure, Fred Olsen offers a complimentary shuttle service when a port is over one mile from the ship. It also offers weather-dependent guided 'social strolls'.

Ready to book your Fred Olsen cruise? See the latest online offers on sailings worldwide.

Visit the Northern Lights with Fred Olsen Cruises
Robin McKelvie

Robin McKelvie

Robin McKelvie is a Scottish travel writer, author and broadcaster. He has visited over 100 countries and regularly writes about Scotland and the Canary Islands. As well as frequently contributing to Weather2Travel.com, Robin writes for publications including The Telegraph, The Independent, The Guardian, The Times and Wanderlust, and has authored more than 30 guidebooks.

Posted on Friday 28th November 2025 in: Cruises

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